Traction gate

ABSTRACT

In a traction gate, a wire barrier extends between a pair of end standards. One of the end standards is pivotally supported on a first gate post, and the lower end of the other end standard is adapted for engagement with and support by structure projecting from a second gate post. A traction mechanism is mounted on the upper end of the second gate post for engagement with pivot means on the upper end of the adjacent end standard. When not in use, the traction mechanism rests on top of the gate post and is therefore readily accessible from either side of the gate. The gate is closed by engaging the traction mechanism with the pivot means and then pivoting the traction mechanism over center, whereby the gate is secured in traction by toggle action. Structure is provided for retaining the traction mechanism in the actuated position, and thereby both securing the gate in traction and locking the gate. Two embodiments of the invention are disclosed, one comprising a wire traction gate and the other comprising a laterally swinging traction gate. In the laterally swinging traction gate and end standards are secured to a longitudinal frame member which interconnects the lower ends of the end standards.

[111 3 3,825,053 [45 July 23, 1974 Romberg TRACTION GATE [76] Inventor:Felix B. Romberg, Po. Box 218,

Holland, Tex. 75001 [22] Filed: July .10, 1972 [21] Appl, No.: 270,308

[52] US. Cl 160/328, 49/381, 292/247 [51] Int. Cl E06b 3/80 [58] Fieldof Search 49/381, 386; 160/328; 292/113, 246, 247

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 882,692 3/1908 Kidder160/328 887,676 5/1908 Malone 160/328 996,368 6/1911 Ryckman 292/1131,458,664 6/1923 Schaefer 292/113 X 2,109,300 2/1938 :Mortensen 160/3282,613,972 10/1952 Gifford 292/247 3,450,187 6/1969 Foltz 160/328 PrimaryExaminer-Dennis L. Taylor In a traction gate, a wire barrier extendsbetween a pair of end standards. One of the end standards is pivotallysupported on a first gate post, and the lower end of the other endstandard is adapted for engagement with and support by structureprojecting from a second gate post. A traction mechanism is mounted onthe upper end of the second gate post for engagement with pivot means onthe upper end of the adjacent end standard. When not in use, thetraction mechanism rests on top of the gate post and is thereforereadily accessible from either side of the gate.

The gate is closed by engaging the traction mechanism traction by toggleaction. Structure is provided for retaining the traction mechanism inthe actuated position, and thereby both securing the gate in tractionand locking the gate. Two embodiments of the invention are disclosed,one comprising a wire traction gate and the other comprising a laterallyswinging traction gate. 1n the laterally swinging traction gate and end.standards are secured to' a longitudinal frame memberwhich'interconnects the lower ends of the end standards.

12 Claims, 21 Drawing Figures PATEMIEUWBIQH SHEET TN 7 mwm wvm oqm mmmmmm TRACTION GATE BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This inventionrelates to traction gate improvements, including gate traction mechanismimprovements useful both in conjunction with a novel laterally swingingtraction gate and with traction gates generally.

Barbed wire combines the quality of repelling livestock with that oftensile strength. However, when an ordinary barbed wire gate barrierbecomes slack the individual wires assume the curves and crooks thatexisted in the wire previous to tensioning, such as the coils the wirehad in the spool.

It is common practice on farms and ranches to utilize simple wire gates(also called gaps). Such a gate typically comprises a barbed wirebarrier strung between vertical standards which are in turn supported byspaced gate posts. In many instances no means is provided for exertingtraction on such a gate. Instead, the operator simply positions thestandard at the openable end of the gate as close as possible to theadjacent gate post and then loops a wire extending from the gate postover the standard.

Such gates do not utilize the potential of the wire. They areeconomical, but at many fence line locations there would be greaterover-all economy if the tension of the wire barrier of the gate would beequal to and thereby support the tension of the fence line wires.Otherwise, the tension of the fence line wires must be supported byother means, such as tall gate posts interconnected with wire at thetop.

Laterally swinging gates have generally been used instead of wire gatesat locations where traffic demands a more easily handled or morepretentious looking gate. Mass production of the metal panel gateconstructed of straight flanged sheet metal channel sections (US. Pat.No. 2,515,754) has made that gate popular on farms and ranches. However,that gate is difficult to open and close in a stiff wind on account ofits broadside surface area. Moreover, the considerable length nowrequired for gates by the width of modern farm equipment makes panelgates heavy and rather burdensome on the supporting gate post. Incontrast, wire gates are virtually insensitive to wind and, withadequate tension, are well adapted for wide openings.

The present invention provides an improved traction gate of the type inwhich a wire barrier is supported between two end standards. In onedisclosed embodiment the end standards are interconnected by a framemember at the bottom to provide a light swinging traction gate for whichwires with end loops can be assembled over the ends of the standards.

In its closed position this swinging traction gate is anchored at allfour corners between two gate posts. One end is hingedly mounted on oneof the gate posts. At the other end the top of the gate is secured tothe other gate post by means of a traction mechanism which alsogenerates a downward thrustthat holds the lower'gate corner on a seatbolt extending through that post.

The traction mechanism is operated with a lever handle whereby theoperator couples the traction mechanism to the gate standard and thendraws the standard towards the post until the lever moves over center intoggle action to a final position where it can be padlocked.Concurrently with the releasing of traction, the

lever handle uncouples the gate and comes to rest on top of the gatepost to which the traction mechanism is adjustably secured.

The lever handle projects from the top of the gate post when the gate isnot in traction and angles upwardly above the wire barrier when the gateis in traction. At each of these locations the handle is easily graspedand easily moved to theother location from either side of the gatewithout changing the grip on the handle.

After traction is released, the frame of this swinging traction gatesupports the wire barrier in limited tension and that limited tensionreciprocally supports the openable end of the gate so that it can belifted very easily from the seat bolt and swung to an open position.

In another disclosed embodiment of the invention, the wiretractiongate,the gate end standards are not interconnected by a-frame member, but thegate is secured in traction by basically the same traction mecha nism inthe same way. In the second embodiment a T- bolt is used as seat boltfor the end standard at the openable end of the gate and that standardhas hook forks at the bottom for straddling and gripping the T- bolt.

DESCRIPTION'OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of thepresent invention and for further objects and advantages thereof,reference may now be had to the following Detail Description taken inconjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which:

FIG. l is a fragmentary side view of a wire traction gate incorporatinga first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary side view of the openable end of thegate of FIG. 1, with dotted lines showing the position of the tractionlever and traction link when'the lever is positioned .on the gate post;

FIG. 3 is a sectionalview taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2 andlooking'in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the traction mechanism shown in FIG. 2, withthe traction lever in the terminal position;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the traction mechanism shown in FIG. 4 in whichcertain parts have been broken away more clearly to illustrate certainfeatures of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but with the traction lever on thepivot in an upended position; I

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6; p

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 88 of FIG. 4, withoptional retaining means shown in dashed lines;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a vertical wire wrapped arounda horizontal wire;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary side view of a laterally swinging gateincorporating a second. embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a detailed fragmentary side view of the frame of the gate ofFIG. .10;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary plan view of the frame of FIG. 11; I

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary detailed longitudinal sectional view of thelower frame comer at the swinging more clearly to illustrate certainfeatures of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the traction leverv on a smaller scale thanFIGS. 14 and 15; j

FIG. 17 is a detailed vertical longitudinal sectional view of thetraction lever of FIG. 16 on the scale of FIGS. 14 and 1-5;

FIG. 18 is a detailed sectional view taken along the line of 18 18 ofFIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the spring retaining plate only, takenalong the line 19-l9 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary plan view showing how a previously formedterminal loop of longitudinal wire is slipped over the top of the framestandard of FIG. 15; and

FIG. 21 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 21'21 of FIG.10, showing details of the lower end of the stay.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION WIRE TRACTION GATE A wire traction gateincorporating a first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1 to9, inclusive. The gate 30 is mounted between gate posts 32 and 34(FIG. 1) and comprises tubular end standards36 and 38 and a barrier oflongitudinal barbed wires 40' strung between the end standards. Thelongitudinal wires may be connected by one or more stays 42 intermediatethe end standards 36 and 38.

The standard 38 has integral elongated plates 44 and 46 extendingperpendicularly across its top and bottom ends, respectively. The plates44 and 46 are perforated on each side of the end standards 38. Theperforations nearest the gate post 34 are aligned with the eyelets of apair of eye bolts 48 and 50 which pass through the gate post 34 andwhich are located above and below the plates 44 and 46, respectively. Apivot shaft 52 extends through the perforations of the plates 44 and 46and through the eyelets of the eye bolts 48 and S0. The ends of the eyebolts 48 and 50 opposite the eyelets are threaded and receive washersand nuts 54, whereby the spacing between the pivot shaft 52 and the gatepost 34 may be adjusted.

The perforations in plates 44 and 46 on the opposite side of the endstandard 38 from the pivot shaft 52 receive the ends of a vertical wire56. The wire 56 is successively wrapped around each longitudinal barbedwire 40 in the manner shown in FIG. 9. By this means vertical spacing ismaintained between the longitudinal" wires 40 adjacent theend standard38 of the gate 30.

with a T-bolt 62 extending through the adjacent gate post 32. Theopposite end of the T-bolt 62'is threaded and receives a washer and anut 64, whereby the positioning of the T-bolt may be adjusted.

The T-bolt 62 is formed by welding a short shaft 66 perpendicularlyacross the end of athreaded shaft 68. The bottom plate 60 of theend'standard 36 is adapted to rest on the shaft 66 and has a pair ofdownwardly extending forks and 72 which are positionable beyond theshaft 66 on each side of the threaded shaft 68 of the T-bolt 62. Theforks 70 and 72 define a downwardly widening'opening therebetween whichsimplifies the positioning of the lower end'of the standard 36 inenforks 70 and 72 to receive a vertical wire 74. Thewire 74 is wrappedaround the longitudinal barbed wires 40 in the manner. shownin F IG.'9.By this means vertical spacing is maintained betweenthe wires 40adjacent the endstandard 36 of the gate 30. Referring now .to FIGS. 2and 4, the plate 58 at the top of the end standard '36 includes a pairof laterally spaced-upstanding lugs 76 and 78 which are integral withthe plate 58. The lugs 76 and 78'support a transverse pivotbolt 80 whichis mounted in aligned openings formed through the lugs. The lugs 76 and78 are parallel to the longitudinalaxis of the plate 58 and the pivotbolt 80 is perpendicular to the lugs 76 and 78.

The wire traction gate 30 further includes a traction mechanism 82comprising a traction lever 84, a traction link 86, and an eyebolt 88which supports the traction mechanism 82 on the gate post 32. As is bestshown in FIGS. 4, 5., and 6, the traction lever 84 ofthe tractionmechanism 82 includes a forked end 90 comprising opposed lips 92 and 94and a curved portion 96 having substantially the same radius as thepivot bolt 80 on the end standard 36. By this means the forked end 90of'the'traction lever 84 is adapted for pivotal engagement with thepivot bolt 80. The lip 94 is wider than the remainder of the tractionlever 84 and'it is substantially'equalin width to the space between theupstanding lugs 76 and 78 on the end standard 36. The lip 94 thusfunctions to center the-traction lever 84 relative to .the lugs 76 and78.

The end of the traction lever 84 remote from the forked end 90 comprisesa handle 98. A lug depends fromthe handle 98 and is provided with anaperture 102.. The plate 58 on the end standard 36isiprovided with anaperture l04which receives the lug 100 when the traction lever 84 ismanipulated from the position shown in FIG. 6 to the position shown inFIG. 5.

At this point the aperture 102 is positioned beneath the plate 58.

The traction link 86 comprises spaced straps 106 and 108 which areintegrally connected by a web 110. The traction lever 84 ispivotally'supported on one end of the traction link 86 by a bolt 112which extends through aligned apertures formed in the straps 106 and 108of the traction link 86 and through an aperture formed through thetraction lever 84 at a point between the forked end 90 and the handle98. By this means the bolt 112 provides a fulcrum for the traction lever84 during pivotal movement of the lever about the pivot bolt 80. Theopposite end of the traction link is pivotally supported on .the eyebolt 88 by a bolt 114 which passes through aligned apertures formed inthe straps 106 and 108 and through the eyelet of the eye bolt 88.

As is best shown in FIG. 2, the eye bolt 88 passes through the gate post32. The end of the eye bolt 88 opposite the eyelet is threaded andreceives a washer and a nut 116 whereby the positioning of the tractionmechanism 82 relative to the gate post 32 may be adjusted. Thepositioning of the eye bolt 88 in the gate post 32, the overall heightof the gate post 32, and the length of the traction link 86 of thetraction mechanism 82 are inter-related in such a way that the tractionlever 84 of the traction mechanism rests on the upper end of the gatepost 32 when the traction mechanism 82 is not in use. This isadvantageous in that the traction mechanism 82 is thereby renderedreadily accessible from either side of the wire traction gate 30.

The plate 58 at the upper end of the end standard 36 extends firstangularly upwardly to a point just beyond the aperture 104 and thenangularly downwardly and terminates in an upstanding lug 118. The upperlongitudinal barbed wire 40 is connected to the lug 118, and

the vertical wire 74 is secured to the upper longitudinal wire 40 at apoint adjacent the lug 118. This construction is advantageous for anumber of reasons. First, sufficient spacing is provided between thetraction lever 84 of the traction mechanism 82and the upper longitu- Idinal wire 40 that the handle 98 is easily grasped in one hand of anoperator. Second, sufficient spacing is provided between the' endstandard 36 and the vertical wire 74 that the end standard 36 is easilygrasped in the other hand of the operator.;Third, the offset positioningof the lug 118 relative to the end standard 36 provides a lever arm ofsufficient length that the end standard 36 is automatically aligned whenit is moved to the closed position, notwithstanding the fact that it mayhave been misaligned when it was in the open position.

To close the wire traction gate 30, the operator first advances thebottom end of the endstandard 36 and engages the forks 70 and 72 of theplate 60 with the T- bolt 62. Next the upper end of the end standard 36is moved towards the gate post 32, thereby tensioning at least the lowerlongitudinal barbed wires 40 of the gate 30. This tensioning positionsboth of the laterally spaced forks 70 and 72 against the terminalportion 66 of the T-bolt 62, thereby automatically pivoting the endstandard 36 into proper alignment, assisted by the offset position ofthe lug 118 relative to the standard 36.

When the end standard 36 is positioned adjacent the gate post 32, theforked end 90 of the traction lever 84 of the traction mechanism 82 ismoved from the position shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2 to the positionshown in FIG. 6 and is simultaneously engaged with the pivot bolt 80 atthe upper end of the end standard 36. As is best shown in FIG. 7 thisaction is facilitated by beveled upper edges on the lugs 76 and 78whereby first the lip 94 of the traction lever 84 and subsequently thestraps of the traction link 86 are centered between and received by thelugs 76 and 78. After the traction lever 84 is engaged with the pivotbolt 80 itis moved from the position shown in FIG. 6to the positionshown in FIG. 5. During this action the traction mechanism 82 operatesas a toggle in that the fulcrum provided by bolt 112 moves over center,or beyond dead center, relative to alignment with pivot bolts 1'14 and80 to secure the wire traction gate 30 in traction and the tractionmechanism in a terminal or clamped position.

The bolt 114 is lower than the bolt 112 so that the tension in thetraction link 86' imparts a downward thrust to the end standard 36 tokeep its lower end firmly seated on the T-bolt 62. Owing to thisdownward thrust the gate is suff ciently secured for ordinary servicewhen the lever 84 is drawn to its terminal. over center position. Forextra security a padlock 120 orother retaining means may be insertedthrough the aperture 102 of the lug 100 to latch thetraction mechanismin its over center position.

The straps 106 and 108 of the traction link are arched to fit on orclosely over the pivot bolt 80 when tive bolts. This is preferablyaccomplished while the gate 'is in the closed position in thatthetension of the wires is more readily determinable at thattime. Anynatural resiliency of the upper ends of the gate posts 32 and 34 impartsresilient tension to the longitudinal wires40 comprising the upperportion of the wire traction gate 30. V

The traction gate 30 is opened by moving the traction lever 84 of thetraction mechanism 82 from the position shownin FIG. 5 through thepositionshown in FIG. 6 to the position shown in dashed lines inFIG. 2.

During this movement the tension of the longitudinal wires 40 of thegate 30 on the traction mechanism 82 imparts a sharp impulse to themovement of the lever 84 so that the operator naturally releases thelever on the top of the gate post 32. While the traction lever is beinglifted with one hand, the operator grips the upper end of the endstandard 36 in the other hand. After the top of the end standard hasbeen disengaged from the traction mechanism 82, the. lower end of theend standard 36 is disengaged from the T-bolt 62 and the gate 30 isopened.

LATERALLY SWINGING TRACTION GATE A laterally swinging traction gate 128incorporating a second embodiment of the invention is illustrated inFIGS. 10 through 21, inclusive. The gate 128 is mounted between spacedgate posts 130 and 132 (FIG. 10) and has a frame 134 comprising alongitudinal tubular member 136 (FIGS. 10, 11, and 12) and tubular endstandards 138 and 140 extending upwardly from the ends of thelongitudinal member 136 and supporting a barrier of longitudinal barbedwires 142. Flat plates 144 and-146 are sandwiched diagonally between theend standards 138 and 140 and the longitudinal member 136 of the frame134, as by welding to each member of each joint. The plates 144 and 146extend horizontally outward beyond each joint as shown.

The'outward extension of the plate 144 has an aperture 148' formed in itfor receiving the upper end of a round bar 150 (FIGS. 10 and 13)integral with the end of a bolt 152 which extends through the gate post130. The bolt 152 is threaded at the opposite end to receive a washerand nut 154 by means of which the bolt 152 can be adjustedlongitudinally until the upper end of the bar 150 centers in theaperture 148, the latter being somewhat larger in diameter than the bar150. The bolt 152 thus supports the plate 144 when the gate 128 isclosed. The bar 150 extends downwardly from the bolt 152 and into asocket or narrow vertical groove in the gate post 130, therebymaintaining an upright position.

The upper end of the end standard 140 comprises an integral plate 156(FIGS. 10 and 11) which extends horizontally toward the adjacent gatepost 132 and has a perforation 158 formed in it. The plate 146 includesa similar perforation 160. A pivot shaft 162 passes gate 128 from beingraised.

The plate 156 is bent upwardly on the opposite side 'of the end standard140 from the pivot shaft 162 and receives an eye bolt 176 to which theupper end of a'diagonal guy wire 178 is secured. Theeye bolt 176 has along threaded shank which passes through a perforation 180 in the plate156 and is adjustable longitudinally by means of a nut 182 in the mannershown in FIG. 10. The opposite end of the guy wire 178 extends aroundthe end standard 138, whereby the guy wire 178 prevents the gate 128from sagging.

The end standard 138 has a integral block 184 (FIGS. 11 and 12) at itsupper end. Theblock 184 has an upstanding lug 186 including a concavesocket 188 which is occupied in traction by a pivot bolt 190 (FIGS. 14and extending between and secured to a pair of parallel forks 192 and194 of a traction lever 196. The forks 192 and 194 are spaced to receivethe lug 186 and have a common connection 198 which forms a base for atubular handle 200. Aligned perforations (FIG. 16) through the forks 192and 194 receive a.

pivot bolt 202 by means of which the ends of a pair of parallel straps204 and 206 of a traction link 208 are pivotally connected to thetraction lever 196. The straps 204 and 206 are perforated for thispurpose and are spaced to receive the forks 192 and 194 of the tractionlever 196 between them. The straps 204 and 206 of the traction link 208are joined by a web 210 and preferably fit closely over the block 184.By this means any upward movement of the standard 138 is prevented whensecured in traction. This in turn assures that the plate 144 is notdisengaged from the bar 150 when the gate is secured in traction.

The opposite ends of the straps 204 and 206 receive the eyelet end of aneye bolt 212 and are pivotally connected thereto by means of atransverse bolt 214 which passes through the eyelet of the eye bolt andthrough aligned openings in the straps. The eye bolt 212 passes throughthe upper end of the adjacent gate post 130 and is threaded at theopposite end to receive a washer and the adjusting nut 216 whereby thebolt can be adjusted longitudinally.

An upstanding integral section 218 of the block 184 is shaped andlocatedto fit within the space between the forks 192 and 194 of the tractionlever- 196 and the bolt 202. The section 218 extends upwardly beyond theforks 192 and 194 when the traction lever is in the position shown inFIG. 15 and has an aperture 220 which is exposed above the forks 192 and194 when the traction lever 196 is in such position. The aperture 220may receive the shackle of a padlock when the gate is closed. The baseof the section 218-is rounded in cross section to anchor the toplongitudinal wire 142 of the gate 128. I

A latch bolt 222 extends through the length of the handle 200 andthrough an opening in the base 198. A latch recess 224 is provided inthe adjacent edge of the section 218 to receive the end of the latchbolt 222 when the traction lever 196 is in the position shown in FIG.15. The edge of the section 218 is suitably sloped above the recess 224to cam the latch bolt 222 into the recess. 4

The latch bolt 222 is urged in. the latch recess 224 by a compressionspring 226 (FIG. 17) acting against a disk 228 that is integral with thebolt 222 and positioned thereon to limit outward movement of the bolt222 through the base 198. The other end of the compression spring 226rests against. a plate 230 which seats aga'inst'blocks 232 and 234secured to the interior of the tubular handle 200, as by spot welding.The plate 230 has a central opening which receives the bolt 222.

Opposite the base 198 the bolt 222 passes through a central opening inan end wall 236 of an outer tubular member 238 which telescopes slidablyover the end portion of the primary tube of the handle 200.

A pin 240 projects through a perforation in the latch bolt 222 adjacentthe inner side of the end wall 236. An elastomeric washer 242, a metalwasher 244, and a nut 246 are mounted on the outside of the wall 236.Hence the latch bolt 222 moves with the outer end portion 238 of thetraction lever handle 200.

To assemble the plate 230 beyond the blocks 232 and 234 from theterminal entrance tov the interior of the tubular handle 200, the plate230 includes notches 248 and 250 (FIGS. 18 and 19). The notches 248 and250 are aligned with the blocks 232 and 234 by a special tool whichmoves the plate 230 against the compression spring 226. When the toolhas moved the plate beyond the blocks'232 and 234, the plate 230 isrotated to position the plate in engagement with the blocks 232 and 234and to center the notches 248 and 250 betweenthe blocks 232 and 234. Theplate 230 is provided by pads 252 and 254 which limit rotation of theplate 230 in service. The pads 252 and 254 are secured to the plate 230,as by spot welding.

To release the gate 128 from traction the operator moves theoutertubular portion 238 of the traction lever 196 outwardly to withdraw thelatch bolt 222 from the latch recess 224. The spring 226 limits thisaction when it is fully compressed. The traction lever 196 is thenpivoted upwardly and is positioned on top of the gate post as describedabove in connection with the wire traction gate 30 of FIGS. 1 through 9.

The'gate frame is constructed from straight lengths of tubing, with theend standards 138 and perpendicular to the longitudinal member 136 andparallel to each other. After the longitudinal wires 142 are appliedtheir tension causes the distal ends of the standards 138 and 140 todraw toward each other and the longitudinal member 136 to bow downwardlyin themiddle. However, when traction is applied in sufficient magnitudeto restore the standards 138 and 140 to the parallel condition,'thelongitudinal frame member 136 is relieved of bending moment and returnsto its original straight condition. By manipulation of the nut 216 onmake the longitudinal frame member 136 straight and thereby relieve itof bending strain can be effected.

In order to achieve precise tension in the longitudinal barbed wires 142and to mount them on the frame 134 of the swinging gate 128 with minimumlabor and highest quality workmanship, it is desirable that the wires142 be prepared in exact lengths and with end loops before they areassembled on the frame. The block 184 is short and is taperedlongitudinally towards the section 218 as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 20.By bowing the longitudinal member 136 downwardly in the middle, theupper ends of the end standards 138 and 140 are brought closer together.By hooking one end loop of each wire 142 around the standard 140first,the other end loop can he slipped over the top of the block 184 ofthe standard 138 as shown in FIG. 20. The first wire so applied is thenslid downwardly along both standards simultaneously until it is properlypositioned. The other wires are then put into their positions on thestandards in the same way, except that the top wire is provided with asmaller end loop and is positioned over the section 218 and aroundits'shank as shown in FIG. 15. The longitudinal member 136 is thenreleased from its bowed condition, leaving the wires 142 taut.

Vertical wires 256 and 258 are then applied adjacent the standards 138and 140, respectively, and are wrapped around the longitudinal wires 142as shown in FIG. 9 to hold them in properly spaced positions. The lowerends of the vertical wires 256 and 258 are drawn around the longitudinalframe member 136. At the plate 156, the top longitudinal wire 142 may beheld against downward displacement by a separate wire 260 looped aboutthe top wire and the plate 156. The vertical wire 256 may also beemployed to secure'the lower end of the diagonal guy wire 178 to thelongitudinal member 136 and thereby prevent the lower end of the guywire 178 from slipping upwardly, or a separate wire may be used for thispurpose.

One or more stays 262 may be utilized between the end standards 138 and140 of the gate 128. A preferred stay 262 is shown in FIG. 1 and 21. Atthe bottom end the stay 262 is flattened and widened and shaped to fitover the longitudinal member 136 and against its sides. Connection ofthe stay 262 to the member 136 is completed by looping wire 264 aroundthe bottom of the member 136 and through perforations in the'flattenedsides of the stay 262.

The bolts 152 and 166 extending through the gate posts 130 and 132 areinitially adjusted longitudinally so the gate 128 is centered betweenthe gate posts and so that the top of the bar 150 is centered in theopening 148 provided in the plate 144. Then, with the guy wire 178slack, the bolt 164 is adjusted longitudinally with the gate 128 open,so the height of the horizontal end of plate 144 corresponds to that ofthe bolt 152.

At this point the tension of the longitudinal wires 142 of the gate 128is equal to the stress in the frame 134. This means that the liftingforce required of a person to raise the plate 144 over the top of bar150 isonly that force which constitutes the departure from equilibrium.In actual use it has been found that the tension of the wires soeffectively counterbalances the weight of the gate at the openable endthat the openable end is extremely easy to lift. The slackin the guywire 178 is next taken up by adjusting the nut 182 to the extent thatdoes not lift the plate 144 from the seat bolt 152.

This provides emergency support to the openable .end of the gate. a

If the frame 134 of the gate 128 did not yield, the tension of thelongitudinal wires 142, unaided by the guy wire 178, would sustain theswinging end of the gate 128 at a nearly constant height againstvariations in downward force when the gate is open. However, since theframe 134 yields resiliently, the guy wire 178 is provided to protectthe frame against undue downward strain while the gate 128 is'open.After the gate is closed, it can withstand relatively large forces sinceit is then secured at all four corners.

Although the wire. traction gate 30 of FIGS. 1 through 9and thelaterally swinging traction gate 128 of FIGS. l0'through 21 arepresented with traction mechanisms having different details, principlesof either mechanism can be used with either gate. A simplertractionmechanism is more applicable where a gate will not be opened andclosed frequently. In both traction mechanismsthe traction lever ispreferably inclined upward from the pivoted end when latched. Thisprovides a desirable clearance above the top barbed wire for grippingthe lever. It also protects the telescoped tube 238 (FIG. 17 fromreceiving water and then freezing.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the useof the-presentinvention results in numerous advantages over the prior art. Beinganchored at all four corners when closed, the swinging traction gate ofthis invention may be consideredas stock proof as conventional laterallyswinging gates. But it is more economical of material, lighter in weightand unhampered by wind. It is especially advantageous where unrestrictedvisibility, unrestricted air circulation or an inconspicuous gate aredesired. It also has the special advantage of exerting tractionon thetwo associated gate posts. This substantially reduces the amount ofbracing required in the fence sections. The resulting savings inmaterial'and labor costs are often equal to or greater than the cost ofthe gate. Another advantage over conventional laterally swinging gatesis the counterbalancing of the openable end of the gate by the tensionof the gate s longitudinal wires.

Although invented for securing the laterally swinging traction gate, thetraction mechanism of this invention is also useful for other gates,notably for the disclosed wire traction gate embodiment. With thistraction mechanism and cooperating gate structure, gate end coupling anduncoupling, the application of traction, padlocking and adjustabilityare all uniquely facilitated. At the beginning of and during eachtraction lever handle movement the lever handle affords optimumconvenience from each side of the gate, yet remains out of peoples way.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated inthe accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it will be understood that the invention is not limited tothe embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements,modifications, and substitutions of parts and elements without departingfrom the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A traction gate comprising:

a gate post,

a standard serving as a wire supporting gate end,

pivot means at the top of said standard,

a T-bolt secured to said post for supporting the lower end of saidstandard and comprising a shaft and an end portion perpendicular to saidshaft,

the lower end of said standard comprising a pair of prongs spaced apartto stradle the shaft of said T- bolt and hook theend'portion to theT-bolt on each side of that shaft for retension of said standard and forits angular orientation about its axis,

said prongs defining a downwardly widening opening between themtofacilitate placement on said T- bolt,

a traction link, I

a bolt secured to said post and pivotally supporting one end of saidtraction link, and

a traction lever pivotally connected at a fulcrum with the other end ofsaid traction link,

said traction lever having a handle end and being pivotal at its otherend on said pivot means,

said parts being constructed and arranged for engagement of said otherend of the traction lever with said pivot means and for subsequentmovement of the handle end of said traction lever in the direction awayfrom said post to force said pivot' and the upper end of said standardtoward said post until the fulcrum of the'traction lever, passes overcenter. i 2. The gate according toclaim 1 wherein the pivot means on thestandard and the perpendicular'end portion of the T-bolt are paralleland extend horizontally and wherein the traction link and the tractionlever are supported for pivotal movement about axes parallel to theperpendicular portion of the T-bolt.

3. The gate according to claim 1 wherein the movement of the tractionlever is limited by contact with said standard toa terminal position atwhich the fulcrum is over center and higher than the pivot axis of thebolt supported end of said traction link, thereby subjecting saidstandard to downward pressure against said T-bolt at the lowerend ofsaid standard.

4. In a traction gate, the combination of:

a gate post,

a traction link,

means secured to said post and pivotally supporting said traction link,

an upright standard positionable adjacent said gate post and comprisinga wire supporting gate end,

said standard comprising a shaft and a plate topping said shaft andextending therefrom in the direction away from said gate post, p

a pair of upstanding lugs projecting from the top of said plate andintegral therewith,

a slot through said plate beyond said shaft and said lugs from thedirection of said gate post,

a pivot bolt extending between and mounted on said lugs,

a traction lever pivotally connected to said traction link at a fulcrumand pivotal at one end about said pivot bolt past dead center relativeto the fulcrum to a terminal position adjacent said slotin said plate,

a lug integral with said traction lever and projecting through said slotin the plate when said' lever is in said terminal position, and I saidlug having an aperture formed through it which is exposed beyond saidplate when said traction lever is in said terminal position to receiveretaintion link is bent to fit closely over said pivot bolt when 5 thetraction lever is insaid terminal position.

6. The gate as defined in claim 5 wherein:

said traction link is comprised of two longitudinal I straps spaced toreceive said traction lever therebetween, said lugs of the plate arespaced to receive the two straps of the traction link therebetween, theend of said traction lever has a longer lip and a shorter lip forreceiving the pivotbolt, and said longer lip-is receivable on thetraction side of said pivot bolt and is substantially equal in width tothe space between'said lugs. 7. In a traction gate, the combinationcomprising: a vpair of gate posts, a pair of upright gate end standardsadjacent said gate posts, respectively, 1 a wire barrier extendingbetween said standards, means hingedly connecting one of said standardsto the adjacent gate post, 1 hooking means for connecting the lower endof the other standard to the other post, and traction means for'applyingtraction to the upper end of-said other standard, said hooking meanscomprising a Tbolt mounted through said other post and an adjusting nuton said bolt on the other side of that post, and hook forks on saidstandard'for stradling and gripping saidT- bolt, I v 1 said tractionmeans comprising an elongated plate at the top of said standard, saidplate having attachment atone end to said wire barrier for tensioningthe same and having a pivotseat adjacent thevother end, j said tractionmeans further comprising a traction bolt secured'to said other post, atraction link pivotally secured at one end to said traction bolt, and atraction lever pivotally secured at its fulcrum to the other end of saidtraction link and pivotal at one end on said pivot seat from an upendedposition to a terminal position past dead center in toggle action. 8.The traction gate according to claim 7 wherein: the traction leverincludes a projecting lug having an aperture formed through it, theplate onthe gate end standard has an aperture formed through it forreceiving the lug of the traction lever, and v said lug of the tractionlever extends through the aperture in the plate when the traction leveris in the terminal position to receive a retaining member in theaperture of the lug and thereby retain the traction lever in theterminal position.

9. The traction gate according to claim 7 wherein:

the'pivot seat of the plate comprises a pair of spaced apart lugs and atransverse member extending be tween the lugs for engagement by thetraction lever of the traction means,

the traction link of the traction means comprises a pair of integrallyconnected members receivable between said lugs above saidtransverse'member which are bent to pass over the transverse member,andv the traction lever is mounted between the spaced apart members ofthe traction link and includes a portion substantially equal in width tothe space between the lugsof the pivot seat which portion is receivedbetween the lugs when the traction lever engages said transverse member.

10. In a traction gate the combination of:

a gate post,

a standard serving as a wire barrier supporting gate end andpositionable in an upright position adjacent to said gate post,

means mounted on said gate post for receiving the lower end of saidstandard and thereafter for preventing lateral and downward displacementof said standard,

a horizontally entending pivot bolt secured to the top of said standard,v

a traction link,

means secured-to said gate post and supporting one end of said tractionlink for pivoting about a horizontal axis to an upright positionadjacent said post, i i a a traction lever connected at its fulcrum tothe other end of said traction link for pivotal movement in a verticalplane,

the top of said gate post being at a height such that it will receivesaid traction lever in an overlying position when said traction link isin said upright position,

said traction lever having a socket for engaging said pivot bolt, 7

said socket facing endward from one end of said traction lever forengagement with and disengagement from said pivot bolt by endwisemovement of said traction lever when said traction lever is in anupended position over said pivot bolt,

the other end of said traction lever comprising a handle by which saidtraction lever can be pivoted from a position overlying said post to anupended position engaging said pivot bolt and thence to a position inwhich said fulcrum is over center and the upper end of said standard issecured in traction with the handle extending generally perpendicularlyto the gate post and overlying the wire barrier.

11. A traction gate comprising:

a gate post,

a standard serving asa wire barrier supporting gate end and positionableadjacent said post,

said standard comprising an extended top portion including a receivingpivotand a wire terminal for supporting a longitudinal gate wire intension,

stationary means secured to said gate post for seating the lower end ofsaid standard against downward and lateral displacement,

a traction link,

a boltsecured to said post and pivotally connected to one end of saidtraction link, and

a traction lever pivotally connected at a fulcrum with the other end ofsaid traction link,

said traction lever having on one side of said fulcrum a handle sectionand on the other side a purchase section which is pivotal at its end onsaid receiving pivot,

said-parts being constructed and arranged for pivotal engagement of theend of the purchase section of the traction lever with said pivot meansand for subsequent movement of the handle section of the traction leverin a direction away from said post to force said pivot means and theupper end of said standard toward said post until the fulcrum of thetraction lever passes over. center,

said wire terminal on the extended top of said standard being in thesame vertical plane with said traction lever and traction link,

said extended top of said standard serving to terminate by contact withsaid handle section the movement of said traction lever after thefulcrum has passed over center.

12. The traction gate according to claim 11 further including:

a lug projecting from the handle portion of the traction lever andhaving a retaining apparatus receiving aperture formed therethrough, and

an aperture formed in the extended top of the standard for receiving thelug therethrough whereby a retaining apparatus may be utilized to securethe gate in the closed condition.

1. A traction gate comprising: a gate post, a standard serving as a wiresupporting gate end, pivot means at the top of said standard, a T-boltsecured to said post for supporting the lower end of said standard andcomprising a shaft and an end portion perpendicular to said shaft, thelower end of said standard comprising a pair of prongs spaced apart tostradle the shaft of said T-bolt and hook the end portion to the T-bolton each side of that shaft for retension of said standard and for itsangular orientation about its axis, said prongs defining a downwardlywidening opening between them to facilitate placement on said T-bolt, atraction link, a bolt secured to said post and pivotally supporting oneend of said traction linK, and a traction lever pivotally connected at afulcrum with the other end of said traction link, said traction leverhaving a handle end and being pivotal at its other end on said pivotmeans, said parts being constructed and arranged for engagement of saidother end of the traction lever with said pivot means and for subsequentmovement of the handle end of said traction lever in the direction awayfrom said post to force said pivot and the upper end of said standardtoward said post until the fulcrum of the traction lever passes overcenter.
 2. The gate according to claim 1 wherein the pivot means on thestandard and the perpendicular end portion of the T-bolt are paralleland extend horizontally and wherein the traction link and the tractionlever are supported for pivotal movement about axes parallel to theperpendicular portion of the T-bolt.
 3. The gate according to claim 1wherein the movement of the traction lever is limited by contact withsaid standard to a terminal position at which the fulcrum is over centerand higher than the pivot axis of the bolt supported end of saidtraction link, thereby subjecting said standard to downward pressureagainst said T-bolt at the lower end of said standard.
 4. In a tractiongate, the combination of: a gate post, a traction link, means secured tosaid post and pivotally supporting said traction link, an uprightstandard positionable adjacent said gate post and comprising a wiresupporting gate end, said standard comprising a shaft and a platetopping said shaft and extending therefrom in the direction away fromsaid gate post, a pair of upstanding lugs projecting from the top ofsaid plate and integral therewith, a slot through said plate beyond saidshaft and said lugs from the direction of said gate post, a pivot boltextending between and mounted on said lugs, a traction lever pivotallyconnected to said traction link at a fulcrum and pivotal at one endabout said pivot bolt past dead center relative to the fulcrum to aterminal position adjacent said slot in said plate, a lug integral withsaid traction lever and projecting through said slot in the plate whensaid lever is in said terminal position, and said lug having an apertureformed through it which is exposed beyond said plate when said tractionlever is in said terminal position to receive retaining apparatus andthereby secure said traction lever in said terminal position.
 5. Thegate according to claim 4 wherein said traction link is bent to fitclosely over said pivot bolt when the traction lever is in said terminalposition.
 6. The gate as defined in claim 5 wherein: said traction linkis comprised of two longitudinal straps spaced to receive said tractionlever therebetween, said lugs of the plate are spaced to receive the twostraps of the traction link therebetween, the end of said traction leverhas a longer lip and a shorter lip for receiving the pivot bolt, andsaid longer lip is receivable on the traction side of said pivot boltand is substantially equal in width to the space between said lugs. 7.In a traction gate, the combination comprising: a pair of gate posts, apair of upright gate end standards adjacent said gate posts,respectively, a wire barrier extending between said standards, meanshingedly connecting one of said standards to the adjacent gate post,hooking means for connecting the lower end of the other standard to theother post, and traction means for applying traction to the upper end ofsaid other standard, said hooking means comprising a T-bolt mountedthrough said other post and an adjusting nut on said bolt on the otherside of that post, and hook forks on said standard for stradling andgripping said T-bolt, said traction means comprising an elongated plateat the top of said standard, said plate having attachment at one end tosaid wire barrier for tensioning the samE and having a pivot seatadjacent the other end, said traction means further comprising atraction bolt secured to said other post, a traction link pivotallysecured at one end to said traction bolt, and a traction lever pivotallysecured at its fulcrum to the other end of said traction link andpivotal at one end on said pivot seat from an upended position to aterminal position past dead center in toggle action.
 8. The tractiongate according to claim 7 wherein: the traction lever includes aprojecting lug having an aperture formed through it, the plate on thegate end standard has an aperture formed through it for receiving thelug of the traction lever, and said lug of the traction lever extendsthrough the aperture in the plate when the traction lever is in theterminal position to receive a retaining member in the aperture of thelug and thereby retain the traction lever in the terminal position. 9.The traction gate according to claim 7 wherein: the pivot seat of theplate comprises a pair of spaced apart lugs and a transverse memberextending between the lugs for engagement by the traction lever of thetraction means, the traction link of the traction means comprises a pairof integrally connected members receivable between said lugs above saidtransverse member which are bent to pass over the transverse member, andthe traction lever is mounted between the spaced apart members of thetraction link and includes a portion substantially equal in width to thespace between the lugs of the pivot seat which portion is receivedbetween the lugs when the traction lever engages said transverse member.10. In a traction gate the combination of: a gate post, a standardserving as a wire barrier supporting gate end and positionable in anupright position adjacent to said gate post, means mounted on said gatepost for receiving the lower end of said standard and thereafter forpreventing lateral and downward displacement of said standard, ahorizontally entending pivot bolt secured to the top of said standard, atraction link, means secured to said gate post and supporting one end ofsaid traction link for pivoting about a horizontal axis to an uprightposition adjacent said post, a traction lever connected at its fulcrumto the other end of said traction link for pivotal movement in avertical plane, the top of said gate post being at a height such that itwill receive said traction lever in an overlying position when saidtraction link is in said upright position, said traction lever having asocket for engaging said pivot bolt, said socket facing endward from oneend of said traction lever for engagement with and disengagement fromsaid pivot bolt by endwise movement of said traction lever when saidtraction lever is in an upended position over said pivot bolt, the otherend of said traction lever comprising a handle by which said tractionlever can be pivoted from a position overlying said post to an upendedposition engaging said pivot bolt and thence to a position in which saidfulcrum is over center and the upper end of said standard is secured intraction with the handle extending generally perpendicularly to the gatepost and overlying the wire barrier.
 11. A traction gate comprising: agate post, a standard serving as a wire barrier supporting gate end andpositionable adjacent said post, said standard comprising an extendedtop portion including a receiving pivot and a wire terminal forsupporting a longitudinal gate wire in tension, stationary means securedto said gate post for seating the lower end of said standard againstdownward and lateral displacement, a traction link, a bolt secured tosaid post and pivotally connected to one end of said traction link, anda traction lever pivotally connected at a fulcrum with the other end ofsaid traction link, said traction lever having on one side of saidfulcrum a handLe section and on the other side a purchase section whichis pivotal at its end on said receiving pivot, said parts beingconstructed and arranged for pivotal engagement of the end of thepurchase section of the traction lever with said pivot means and forsubsequent movement of the handle section of the traction lever in adirection away from said post to force said pivot means and the upperend of said standard toward said post until the fulcrum of the tractionlever passes over center, said wire terminal on the extended top of saidstandard being in the same vertical plane with said traction lever andtraction link, said extended top of said standard serving to terminateby contact with said handle section the movement of said traction leverafter the fulcrum has passed over center.
 12. The traction gateaccording to claim 11 further including: a lug projecting from thehandle portion of the traction lever and having a retaining apparatusreceiving aperture formed therethrough, and an aperture formed in theextended top of the standard for receiving the lug therethrough wherebya retaining apparatus may be utilized to secure the gate in the closedcondition.